Graduate Programs
• Graduate Periodontics
• Graduate Dental Hygiene
• Graduate Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
Periodontics - Hom-Lay Wang, Director
The graduate program in Periodontics has three major objectives: (1) to teach the scientific basis of specialty practice; (2) to insure a high level of competence in the diagnosis of oral diseases, treatment planning both periodontics and dental implants, comprehensive therapy, and follow-up of patients with periodontal diseases; and (3) to develop future leaders not only in the specialty of Periodontics, but also in the larger dental arena, with an emphasis on research and clinical aspects.
The philosophy of the program is to maximize the students' potential in clinical practice, teaching, and research. A flexible curriculum allows students to tailor courses to meet individual interests. Strong emphasis is placed on developing scholarly ability and technical proficiency, while maintaining a sense of professional responsibility and social obligation.
The certificate program requires a minimum of 30 months. Along with the core courses in periodontics, courses in physiology, oral pathology, bacteriology, therapeutics, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, oral diagnosis, implants, conscious sedation, and hospital dentistry are required. Teaching experience in both the classroom and clinic is also required.
Clinical practice will include diagnosis of oral diseases, treatment planning and comprehensive therapy using current modalities of care, occlusal therapy, limited tooth movement, and conscious sedation. Patients with craniofacial dysfunction and patients requesting dental implant therapy will be evaluated and treated following a multidisciplinary protocol.
In addition to a certificate in periodontics, courses leading to Master of Science and PhD degrees are offered through the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Opportunities for research experiences, both at the clinical and basic science level are available within the department and the school, as well as through other programs at the University. A major research focus of our department is in the area of development, maintenance and regeneration of hard and soft tissues lost as a consequence of disease. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding risk factors associated with periodontal disease, with a particular focus on the older patient. A minimum of 45 semester credit hours, as well as a written thesis and oral defense, are required for an MS degree. A maximum of six semester credit hours is allowed for clinical practice. The PhD program will be tailored to the individual student.
« For admissions information, see Graduate Programs How to Apply.
Dental Hygiene - Karen Ridley, Director
Admission to the graduate dental hygiene program is limited to dental hygienists who hold a baccalaureate degree (AB, BS, or equivalent) and who have a good record of scholarship in their previous education. Experience in private practice and/or teaching is desirable. The graduate program in dental hygiene is interdisciplinary, offering learning experiences in the Schools of Dentistry, Public Health, and Education. Upon successful completion of the program, including a thesis, the student is awarded the Master of Science degree by the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. The program of study can be tailored to accommodate each student's career goals. The program consists of a core of required courses and a sequence of electives. The core consists of courses in research methodology, biostatistics, health care management, educational design, investigation leading to the thesis, a seminar on current issues in dental hygiene, and a practicum. The electives portion of the program permits a student to enroll in a sequence of courses in a specific area of interest such as clinical research, geriatrics, dental public health, education or oral biology. Graduates of the program are prepared to function in the roles of administrator, researcher, educator, and health promoter. The program of study may be pursued on a part-time basis.
« For more information, see Graduate Dental Hygiene.
Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology - Paul C. Edwards, Director
Graduate program currently under development.
« For more information, contact Oral Pathology office: 734-764-1543.
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